O-ring Lubricant

[Dabby]

I have a Hayward cartridge filter that is seeping water at the middle rim. I have read several places that state the o-ring needs to be lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant. The manual that came with the filter says not to lubricate the o-ring. I am confused. Should I lubricate it or not?

 

[JamesW]

I use the silicone lube.

 

[Melt In The Sun]

...and I use the teflon "pool lube". Either will work fine...just don't use a petroleum-based lubricant or it will destroy the o-ring.

 

[Dabby]

I could not find a silicon-based lubricant while I was out today. I have a can of GM Super Lube. Anyone know if this would work? I know it is safe for rubber and plastic.

 

[bobodaclown]

Homedepot.com
http://www.homedepot.com/p/DANCO-0-5-oz-Silicone-Faucet-Grease-9D00088693/203193536
or
lowes.com
http://www.lowes.com/pd_53861-1366-...arch=silicone+grease&productId=1092167&rpp=32
http://www.lowes.com/pd_316733-1003-ORL1OZ_?PL=1&productId=3152031

Here's an earlier post on this issue: http://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/396-quot-O-quot-Ring-grease-lube

 

[sbn56]

Faucet lube from HD or Lowe's would be great - in a pinch some KY Jelly would work, too - preferably not one of the 'enhanced' versions..........

 

[Kiss4aFrog]

...and I use the teflon "pool lube". Either will work fine...just don't use a petroleum-based lubricant or it will destroy the o-ring.

I know it has big letters that say petroleum jelly on Vaseline but I've used it on a ton of O rings with no adverse affects , , , but none were for a pool. I'm getting ready to replace the sand and O rings in my filter and would normally just use Vaseline. Does it have an adverse effect on the rubber they use in pool equipment ??

 

[Isaac-1]

It depends on the type of o-ring material, but petroleum jelly will cause common rubber o-rings to swell. A sign of its use is when you open a valve up and the o-ring jumps out and will not seem to fit back into the grove where it belongs.

Ike

 

[JasonLion]

Over the very long term (8+ years) petroleum jelly will cause most o-rings to fail sooner than they otherwise would.

 

[Kiss4aFrog]

I just hate to buy another chemical but I believe and I'd rather do it right. I was even a little sorry to ask but I'm glad I did as going with silicone is likely better for my automotive applications as well.
Thanks.